​A peregrine falcon which police believe had been shot with a pellet has been found dead on a church roof.The bird was found by officers at St Thomas Church in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, at about 12:25 GMT.Peregrines are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and to kill or injure one is a criminal offence, police said."This poor animal appears to have been shot [and] suffered what looks like a pellet wound", Sgt Dylan Hrynkow said.Anyone with information about the bird has been asked to contact police.According to the RSPB, it is an offence to intentionally take, injure or kill a peregrine and offences are punishable with a fine of up to £5,000, a sentence of up to six months in prison or both.